For many residents, dorm life has become a test of patience rather than comfort. In Madison Hall, flickering lights and dilapidated laundry rooms reflect neglect and unclear maintenance responsibility. Masur Hall faces its own problems, with broken thermostats, faulty locks and crumbling infrastructure, adding to students’ frustration. Madison and Masur Hall are exterior corridor residence halls designed for shared living. Each room houses two students and includes a shared bathroom with two suitemates, creating a small, close-knit living environment.
Sophomore computer science major Tanzif Avishek said persistent inconveniences have defined his time in Madison Hall.
“One of the issues I experienced in Madison was electrical problems. Sometimes, some of the power outlets would suddenly stop working, seemingly for no reason,” Avishek said.
Also, when students head to the laundry room, they face even more frustration.
Over in Masur Hall, Rajshree, a sophomore pre-nursing major, had similar complaints.
“The thermostat in our lobby was broken for weeks, and the bathroom locks are still a mess,” she said. “Housing should really check on dorms frequently instead of waiting for us to complain.”
When it comes to the gradual wear and tear of dormitories, the answer is clear: students already pay to live on campus, and maintaining livable conditions should never fall on them.
2025-2026 residence hall pricing for Madsion Hall and Masur Hall (double occupancy) is $1,735 and $1,603 per semester respectively, making these residences among the most affordable on campus.
However, lower rates should not mean lower standards. Even budget-friendly housing deserves basic cleanliness, safety and functionality.
It is ULM Residential Life’s job to ensure that all residence halls meet the same standard of care. Students can take responsibility for keeping shared spaces tidy, but long-term issues like broken equipment and poor maintenance require institutional attention. Respect for students begins with maintaining the places they call home.